Maghreb Media Roundup (March 20)

Algeria

“Voter registration issues emerge in Algeria” Political parties and election monitors argue the late registration of 30,000 military personnel, along with other inconsistencies, will have an unfair impact on future elections. 

"Algeria marks 50 years since France cease-fire" Calls are renewed for a law to condemn France's colonial history.

"Rim’K: The Algerian Beats of Nostalgia" A profile on prominent Algerian rapper Rim'K highlights a more political side to the Maghrebi rap pioneer.

Libya

"الفن 'أداة للنضال' في ليبيا” Interview with Libyan Journalist and political activist Muhammad Makhlouf reveals art to be a form of political empowerment for himself and for the Libyan youth.

"رئيس برقة: لن نخوض انتخابات المؤتمر الوطني" Interview with the primary figure representing Libya’s federalist camp in Arabic. 

“A Tale of Two Cities: Misurata and Tawergha” An examination of the war-beget struggles between the two Libyan cities offers suggestions for reconciliation.

"Feb17.info calls it a day" The expat-activist site which served as a the paramount news source during the Libyan revolution announces its closure. 

Mauritania

“Mauritania: Opposition Protests in Advance of Parliamentary Elections” Thousands protest against military rule and ineffective government. 

“#Mauritania Opposition 43-page Rebuttal to General Aziz” Opposition coalition provides a new, extensive critique of government failures and corruption (Arabic).  

“CNN goes undercover in Mauritania” A preview of CNN's report explores the remnants of slavery denied by the government.

 “#Mauritania: General Aziz’s image problem” Nasser Weddady pokes fun at the ruling party’s performative rally. 

"الأمن الموريتاني عزل السنوسي عن الخارج وتركه يشعر بأنه ضيف وليس معتقلا" A peek into former Libyan intelligence chief, Abdallah al-Senussi, reveals his comfortable life in Mauritania and protection under the government. 

Morocco

الجمعية المغربية لحقوق الإنسان تتضامن مع سكان بني بوعياش وتستنكر التصعيد القمعي الممنهج ضد الحركات الاحتجاجية” The Moroccan Association for Human Rights opposes escalating regime violence and systematic repression against protestors of Bani Bouayach.

“Waiting for the Arab Spring in Western Sahara” Western support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal grows but Polisario Front and Sahrawi concerns remain incompletely addressed.

"Amina Filali, Morocco Rape Victim, Commits Suicide After Forced Marriage To Rapist" A 16-year old girl commits suicide as a result of being forced to marry her rapist. 

“Amina, l’article 475 et l’ancien droit français” Did misinterpretation of old French Law, rather than local tradition, absolve a rapist of his crimes and prompt the suicide of a young girl?  

“Le Mouvement du 20 février à Casablanca : entre héritages et innovations” A critique is offered concerning facile portrayals of Arab youth. 

“Le sens de la dissolution bureaucratique de l’UMT à Rabat” An article examines the disconnect between the contemporary ‘labor movement’ and the needs of workers in Morocco.

Tunisia

"Quand l’UGTT brûle, c’est la Tunisie qui brûle !" This opinion article on the UGTT, a globally recognized national trade union with over 500,000 members, suggest it is as a political and social equalizer in Tunisian society.

“Tunisia: The New Phase of Social Media” A sampling of thousands of Facebook pages and websites operated by Tunisian citizens, nonprofits, and politicians is discussed.

“Tunisia: Paying Tribute to Cyber Dissident Zouhair Yahyaoui” Tunisia's "first cyber activist" and his legacy are given tribute at the seven-year anniversary mark.

“Tunisia: How Three Women Reinvented Local Pastry” Local and international success of family pastry businesses run by women embody aspirations for economic growth.

“Experts Plan Framework for Future Elections in Tunisia” The International Foundation of Electoral Systems conference emphasizes the need for government sponsored education to disseminate changes effected by the new constitution. 

“Tunisia celebrates its first National Day for Internet Freedom, still struggles with what that freedom means” Progress and limitations on press and speech freedoms despite "internet freedom."

“Mégalomanie….quand tu nous tiens !” Reflections are offered on how socio-economic aspirations challenge popular conceptions of modernity.  

"اعلام العار…الى متى؟" An opinion piece explores the current state of post-revolutionary Tunisian media.  

Recent Jadaliyya Articles on the Maghreb

Le Printemps Arabe: Et Si l’Algérie Avait Raison ?

The Invention of the Savage: Colonial Exhibitions and the Staging of the Arab Spring

Morocco: A "Democratic Moment"?

Scandalous Flag Incident at Mannouba University: A Wake-Up Call

الذاكرة الجماعية العربية بين الانتقام والعدالة والمصالحة